Gov. Josh Shapiro at the bill signing at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County on Wednesday. (Credit: PA Internet News Service) Dan Zampogna
Pennsylvania’s ban on Sunday hunting will soon be history.
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday signed House Bill 1431 into law at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County.
The governor’s signature and bipartisan support in the General Assembly officially repeals Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting.
The new law, which takes effect Sept. 7, grants the Pennsylvania Game Commission full authority to establish Sunday hunting seasons based on biological data and hunter feedback.
Previously, Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania was limited to three designated Sundays annually: one each during archery and rifle deer seasons, and a third chosen by the game commission.
“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “From young hunters with school obligations to folks working two jobs and parents balancing family time on weekends, all wanting more time outdoors. Today, we’re changing that.”
Smith noted the change will have a positive impact on conservation.
“By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters — it’s a win for conservation. It helps us better manage wildlife now and ensures we pass down this tradition to the next generation. It’s a great day for Pennsylvania,” he said.
Since 2020, even with limited Sunday hunting opportunities, Pennsylvania has maintained steady hunting license sales as other states see declines seen in many other states.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission anticipates broader access under the new law will further engage hunters and sportsmen, according to statement.
Hunting contributes significantly to Pennsylvania’s economy and generates over $1.6 billion annually. It supports more than 15,000 jobs and yielding millions in state and local tax revenue.
Expanding Sunday hunting is expected to attract more hunters, both in-state and out-of-state, boosting local economies and supporting wildlife conservation efforts funded by license sales, officials said.
Chris Hoffman, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, lauded the legislation.
“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau was a proud supporter of House Bill 1431, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation. These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state,” Hoffman said.
With approximately 850,000 licensed hunters, Pennsylvania ranks second nationally, trailing only Texas.
“This new law is about real freedom: the freedom to hunt, the freedom for families to pass down traditions to the next generation, and the freedom for the Pennsylvania Game Commission — the experts who know our hunters and our wildlife best — to set hunting seasons that work for today’s Pennsylvania,” said Shapiro. “By repealing this outdated ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvanians can spend more time outdoors, with more chances to share traditions and a stronger future for conservation.”
House Bill 1431 was sponsored by State Rep. Mandy Steele, a Democrat, and passed the House in a 142-61 vote and the Senate by a 34-16 vote. Identical legislation, Senate Bill 67, was introduced by State Sen. Dan Laughlin, a Republican.
